Which fortified wine employs the solera system?

• A. Madeira.
• B. Sherry.
• C. Port.
• D. Marsala.

Answer: (B)

The solera system is a fractional blending aging method used to maintain a consistent style across vintages. In Sherry production, barrels are arranged in layers called criaderas above a bottom layer called the solera. Each bottling draws a portion from the oldest wine, and the barrels are replenished with wine from the layer above, creating a continual mix of ages. This process imprints complex, oxidative flavors and a stable house style year after year. Madeira, while aged and often heated, uses different aging methods; Port and Marsala are aged in other ways without the solera system. So the fortified wine associated with the solera method is Sherry.